Lixouri is a pretty town overlooking the Ionian Sea on the Palikis peninsula, which occupies the westernmost part of Kefalonia. It is the second center of the island by population and is the most important city of Kefalonia after Argostoli. The Palikis peninsula has a total population of around 6500 inhabitants and annually enchants thousands of visitors with its sensational panoramas and enchanting beaches. The name Palikis derives from the ancient city of Pali of which few remains are preserved.
The beaches of Lixouri
The picturesque resort of Lixouri is best known for its fantastic beaches, the most beautiful in Kefalonia!
Xi beach, with its characteristic reddish sand, is certainly one of the most particular and popular of Kefalonia. It is surrounded by high cliffs and the sandy and shallow seabed makes it ideal for everyone. On Xi beach you will find umbrellas and sunbeds for hire, as well as bars and taverns for a tasty lunch or a quick snack. We advise you to take a walk and wait for the sunset, which is truly spectacular here! This beautiful beach is located about 7 km from the city of Lixouri, to reach it you will have to travel the road to Sulari and pass the village of Mantzavinata.
Lepeda beach is the closest to Lixouri, from which it is only 2 km away. A steep curve leads to a wide bay of red-orange sand which offers a splendid panoramic view of the Argostoli bay. The beach offers sun beds, umbrellas, restaurants and bars. In the surroundings there is a small monastery where the intellectual Antemio Kurukli, recently proclaimed saint by the Orthodox church, retired.
Petani beach is one of the most beautiful in Kefalonia, with small pebbles and crystal clear sea. This wide beach, about 600 meters long, offers sunbeds and umbrellas for hire and free and paid parking. The prices are absolutely moderate: in fact, two beds cost only € 6 per day! There are also two affordable fresh fish tavernas. Petani beach is located at the bottom of a very steep road surrounded by mountains. Along the way you will meet the village of Kaminarata, whose inhabitants are known for their passion for dance. Don't miss this paradise, but arrive early so you can enjoy this enchanting beach in peace.
Atheras beach is a thin strip of sand with a clear and shallow sea, nestled among the green hills. It is located about 14 km from Lixouri, its waters are generally calm and a little warmer than other places on the island, therefore ideal for long swims, snorkeling, or simply being lulled by its waves. Atheras beach is not equipped, but offers an excellent tavern with panoramic views.
Kounopetra beach, which means "moving rock", is a small cove of reddish sand bathed by a beautiful clear and dominated by a white vertical cliff. It owes this name to a singular phenomenon created by rocks that move rhythmically. The beach of Kounopetra beach has an equipped area and a tavern. It is located in front of the village of Manzavinata where there is a small marina with a small platform at the end on which you will find some chairs and umbrellas. We advise you to admire the sunset from here, it will be one of the most beautiful memories of your holiday in Kefalonia.
What to do in Lixouri
Lixouri is a lively and modern town, it was in fact almost entirely rebuilt after the 1953 earthquake, has wide pedestrian walkways, a spacious promenade and modern buildings built following the traditional style.
The most important building is certainly the house-museum of the Iakovato family, which also houses the public library and a small artistic collection which includes 36 icons and three ancient Gospels dating back to the tenth, fourteenth and fifteenth centuries respectively. The heirs donated the house with all the furnishings, including the 7,000 books, the oldest being a treatise on Hippocrates dating back to 1595. Don't miss this interesting museum which is located at the western end of the city.
The Church of the Holy Trinity and the one dedicated to Agios Nikolaos are certainly worth a visit. Walking through the streets of this town you will discover many other religious buildings, such as the church of Agios Haralambis, Pandocrator and the church of Panagia Perligadon.
When you arrive in the center of Lixouri you will notice that from its small square, located right in front of the small port, the main road starts where many souvenir and local craft shops follow one another. Take advantage of it to do some shopping! In front of the port you will find statues and busts dedicated to well-known local characters, such as the poet Andrea Lascarato and the doctor Stamos Petritsi, benefactor of the city. Finally, we cannot forget the cultural commitment of this city, in fact the Philharmonic school of Pali, one of the most important in all of Greece, is located here.
If you are not tired yet, from Lixouri you can quickly reach the "Kounopetra" site located in the village of Mantzavinata. If you are on holiday in Kefalonia in September, take advantage of it to participate in the wine festival held every year in the village of Mantzavinata to celebrate the harvest.
How to get to Lixouri
Lixouri is 30 km from Argostoli and has a small port that connects it to the latter. There is a ferry leaving approximately every hour, which crosses the bay in a short time and is used for vehicles and pedestrians.
Now you just have to visit this enchanting town!